State At A Glance

March 01, 2007

AVON -- The town council is expected to vote tonight on a $2.4 million proposal to renovate the town hall complex housing the finance, planning and zoning and social service departments, among others. Town Manager Phil Schenck said town staff have targeted June 14 as a possible date for a referendum on the renovation of the brick town hall buildings 5 and 6, provided the project is approved by the council and board of finance.

BRISTOL -- The wife of Mayor William Stortz is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for vandalism attacks against the family's home and the mayor's car. Angela Stortz, a retired teacher, said she is putting the money up herself. A brick was thrown through the front window of their home several weeks ago, and someone threw a brick with the word ``resign'' at the mayor's car, hitting a similar vehicle parked alongside.

EAST HARTFORD -- Goodwin College officials have the approvals they need to proceed with plans for an $80 million campus along the Connecticut River. The planning and zoning commission granted the approvals Wednesday that the college needs for its expansion. Its flagship structure will be a six-story building that will include a student union and a lighthouse, which will serve as the campus icon.

EAST HARTFORD -- Several school board members said Wednesday that they have serious concerns about Kevin Miller's ability to serve effectively as principal at the high school following recent news of his dealings with a 15-year-old student and a subsequent investigation. Police concluded that there were no grounds for criminal charges and Miller has denied any improprieties. He remains on paid administrative leave and the school board is scheduled to meet Monday, when it is expected to discuss his situation.

ESSEX -- A decision by the town's zoning commission to reduce the number of housing units allowable in a proposed residential life-care zoning district could stop developers interested in bringing forth plans. The zoning change would limit the number of units on the 10-acre site being eyed to 44; Landmark Associates, the interested developer, was seeking approval for 55.

MANCHESTER -- A teenager doing community service at the police station Wednesday has been charged with stealing two Tasers from a room he was assigned to clean. The teen was charged as a youthful offender with fourth-degree larceny and possession of a dangerous weapon. The 17-year-old told police that he had planned to take the stun guns to his home in Hartford for protection.

MIDDLETOWN -- The common council on Monday is expected to give the city's police department the green light to buy and install a new $400,000 computer system to replace an obsolete computer network at the station. Police Chief Lynn Baldoni pitched the new system to the council's public-safety and finance and government committees Monday and Tuesday. Both panels endorsed the measure, making its passage likely.

WEST HARTFORD -- The town is planning to host its first Puzzlethon on Saturday to benefit the Autism Society of Connecticut. Organizers had set a goal of raising $10,000 for the event, which will be held at Hall High School from noon to 4 p.m. As of Wednesday night, $7,500 had been raised.